Tuesday, 5 Dec 2017

Written Answers Nos. 61-80

Garda Resources

Questions (61)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

61. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if extra funding is being allocated to Garda resources in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda Division in 2018. [51705/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

Indeed, some €1.65 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2018. This is an increase of approximately 2% over the allocation for 2017 and includes almost €100 million for Garda overtime. Some €1.61 billion was allocated to the Garda Vote for 2017 and €1.55 billion in 2016.

I am informed by the Commissioner that on 31 October 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the strength of the Cavan/Monaghan Division was 324 members. There are also 11 Garda Reserves and 37 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Response Unit, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

I am further informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 44 of whom have been assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Division. In addition, another 200 trainee Garda are scheduled to attest next month which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.  

This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. The substantial increase in Garda numbers is tangible progress on achieving this Government’s vision of an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians.

I am pleased to say that Budget 2018 will support the continuation of this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College, an additional 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Cavan/Monaghan Division, in the coming years.

The Deputy will, of course, be aware of the recommendation to reopen the former Garda station in Bawnboy, in addition to 5 other former stations, that is contained in the Garda Commissioner’s final report on the station reopening pilot project. I am informed that the Commissioner has written to the Office of Public Works to progress the matter.

The Deputy will also be aware that there are plans to build a new Garda station in Bailieborough and I understand that the Office of Public Works has now progressed the acquisition of the site in question and is proceeding to the planning stage of the project.

Garda Strength

Questions (62)

Niall Collins

Question:

62. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in County Limerick as of 1 November 2017; the number of community gardaí in the division; and the number of Garda Reserve and new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [51643/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.

Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility for the distribution of Gardaí, I have provided for the record a breakdown, in tabular form, of the detailed information requested by the Deputy as of 31 October 2017, the latest date for which information is readily available.

The Garda strength of the Limerick Division on 31 October 2017 was 555 of whom 37 are Community Gardaí. There are also 31 Garda Reserves and 50 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

As the Deputy will be aware, this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.

I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 39 of whom have been assigned to the Limerick Division. I look forward to attending the graduation of another 200 trainee Garda on Friday which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - a net increase of 500 since the end of 2016.

I am also pleased to say that Budget 2018 maintains this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. This will see Garda numbers reach the 14,000 mark by the end of 2018.

In addition, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Limerick Division, in the coming years.

STRENGTH OF THE LIMERICK DIVISION 31 OCTOBER 2017

DISTRICT	DISTRICT	DISTRICT
BRUFF	BALLYLANDERS	1
	BRUFF	25
	BRUREE	1
	CAPPAMORE	2
	HOSPITAL	2
	KILMALLOCK	6
	MURROE	2
	PALLASGREEN	2
	TOTAL	41
HENRY   STREET	ARDNACRUSHA	3
	CASTLECONNELL	4
	HENRY STREET	244
	MAYORSTONE PARK	61
	TOTAL	312
NEWCASTLE   WEST	ABBEYFEALE	8
	ADARE	2
	ASKEATON	10
	ATHEA	1
	CROOM	3
	DRUMCOLLOGHER	2
	FOYNES	1
	NEWCASTLE WEST	35
	PALLASKENRY	1
	RATHKEALE	10
	TOTAL	73
ROXBORO   ROAD	BALLYNEETY	2
	CAHERCONLISH	2
	PATRICKSWELL	2
	ROXBORO ROAD	123
	TOTAL	129
LIMERICK TOTAL		555

Garda Strength

Questions (63)

Barry Cowen

Question:

63. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in counties Laois and Offaly as of 1 November 2017; the number of community gardaí in the division; and the number of Garda Reserve and new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [51631/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.

Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility for the distribution of Gardaí, I have provided for the record a breakdown, in tabular form, of the detailed information requested by the Deputy as of 31 October 2017, the latest date for which information is readily available.

The Garda strength of the Laois/Offaly Division on 31 October 2017 was 334 of whom 2 are Community Gardaí. There are also 17 Garda Reserves and 25 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

As the Deputy will be aware this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime.  To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.

I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 66 of whom have been assigned to the Laois/Offaly Division. I look forward to attending the graduation of another 200 trainee Garda on Friday which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - a net increase of 500 since the end of 2016.

I am also pleased that Budget 2018 maintains this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensures that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. This will see Garda numbers reach the 14,000 mark by the end of 2018.

In addition a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána.  We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Laois/Offaly Division, in the coming years.

STRENGTH OF THE LAOIS/OFFALY DIVISION 31 OCTOBER 2017

DISTRICT	DISTRICT	DISTRICT
BIRR	BANAGHER	5
	BIRR	32
	CLOGHAN	1
	FERBANE	3
	KILCORMAC	2
	KINNITTY	1
	SHINRONE	1
	TOTAL	45
PORTLAOISE	ABBEYLEIX	21
	ARLES	1
	BALLYLINAN	2
	BORRIS-IN-OSSORY	1
	CLONASLEE	1
	DURROW	1
	MOUNTMELLICK	5
	MOUNTRATH	3
	PORTARLINGTON	14
	PORTLAOISE	137
	RATHDOWNEY	2
	STRADBALLY	2
	TOTAL	190
TULLAMORE	CLARA	5
	DAINGEAN	2
	EDENDERRY	13
	RHODE	1
	TULLAMORE	78
	TOTAL	99
LAOIS/OFFALY TOTAL		334

Traveller Community

Questions (64)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

64. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the national Traveller and Roma inclusion strategy 2017 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51734/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

On 13 June this year, I launched the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017 – 2021. This Strategy contains 149 Actions, grouped under ten themes, which are as follows:

- Cultural Identity;

- Education;

- Employment and The Traveller Economy;

- Children and Youth;

- Health;

- Gender Equality;

- Anti-discrimination and Equality;

- Accommodation;

- Traveller and Roma Communities; and

- Public Services

I chair a Steering Group which has the responsibility for monitoring and achieving progress on the implementation of the Strategy.  The Steering Group consists of representatives of the Traveller and Roma communities, as well as of representatives of relevant Government Departments and Agencies.

Since the launch of the Strategy, the Steering Group has met twice, on 2 August and on 18 October. The next meeting is planned for Wednesday 13 December. The meetings provide an opportunity to review progress and to drive forward implementation of the Strategy.

To date, work has begun on approximately 100 of the actions in the Strategy.  The Steering Group will continue to monitor progress on these Actions and to focus on actions where progress has not yet commenced.  It is a priority for me that the momentum achieved to date is maintained. 

As a response to a number of the actions in the Strategy, 3 sub-committees have been set up to report back to the Steering Group:

- One of these sub-committees has been formed in my Department on the issue of data collection on ethnic grounds. 

- A second sub-committee has been formed to deal with the issue of the retention of Traveller and Roma children in education. At the last meeting, held last month, a proposal was jointly agreed by my Department, the Department of Educational and Skills, and TUSLA to implement a pilot project on this issue in 4 different locations with high Traveller and/or Roma populations; and

- The third sub-committee was set up to deal with the problem of feuding in the Traveller Community. Proposals for addressing this issue through mediation are currently being examined.  

Each of these sub-committees is chaired by an official from my Department, and the membership consists of representatives of relevant Government Department and Agency officials as well as of the Traveller and Roma communities.

The recognition last March by the Government of Travellers as an ethnic minority represented a crucial step forward in the relationship between the Government, the Traveller community and the settled community.  It is my aim that the Strategy should build on this landmark decision to work to bring about concrete improvements in the lives of Travellers across the country.

Magdalen Laundries Report

Questions (65)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

65. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he plans to take further to the recommendations of the Ombudsman’s report on the Magdalen restorative justice scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51696/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As I have previously indicated, the Department is giving full and detailed consideration to each of the four recommendations made by the Ombudsman in his report published on 23 November 2017.

It is important to note that the existing Scheme remains open. To date 684 applicants to the Magdalen scheme have received their ex-gratia payments from my Department's Vote at a cost of €25.7m.  The terms of the scheme recommended to Government by the Justice Quirke included the payment of “lump” sums in a range from €11,500 to €100,000; special access to health care, upgrading of pension entitlements to the full State Pension for those who had reached retirement age and payment of a weekly sum of €100 inclusive of other State payments to others.

The Ombudsman has recommended that, in certain cases, women should be made a ward of court. I can inform the Deputy that this policy was already being pursued by the Department which is now considering whether any further measures can be taken in this regard in the light of the details of the Ombudsman's recommendation.

It was recommended that there should be a review of any cases where there has been a dispute over length of stay.  No particular difficulty is foreseen with this recommendation and my Department is exploring the options for doing so.

It was recommended that guidance should be developed centrally on future restorative justice or redress schemes and my Department will be pursuing this recommendation with relevant Government Departments likely to be responsible for any such schemes.

The recommendation by the Ombudsman to include certain industrial schools and training centres within the scheme notwithstanding the fact that applicants may have already received payments under the Residential Institutions Redress Scheme raises a number of issues.  As part of the consideration of this recommendation, my Department is seeking to clarify all the issues concerned and assess the administrative, resource and legal implications.

Protected Disclosures

Questions (66)

Clare Daly

Question:

66. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied with the protection provided to persons making protected disclosures in An Garda Síochána; the basis for his satisfaction, or not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51707/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

Let me say straight out that I am satisfied with the protection provided to persons who make protected disclosures in An Garda Síochána.

As the Deputy is aware, the Protected Disclosures Act came into operation on 15 July 2014. Members of An Garda Síochána who wish to make a protected disclosure may do so in accordance with the provisions of the Act.  The Act puts Gardaí in the same position, including receiving the same statutory protections, as others who wish to make a protected disclosure about alleged wrongdoing.

Accordingly, members of the Garda Síochána may communicate their concerns to the Garda Commissioner, as their employer if they so choose, or they may make a disclosure directly to GSOC.  Where a protected disclosure is made to GSOC, the Act provides that GSOC may, if it appears to it desirable in the public interest to do so, investigate the disclosure.  It is also open to a member of the Garda Síochána to make a protected disclosure to me as Minister and I will consider it in the context of my Department's sectorial policy on protected disclosures.

It is important to recognise the very significant fact that a member of the Gardaí who makes a disclosure in accordance with the Act is entitled to all the protections provided for whistleblowers in the Act.  These protections include protection from having their identity revealed, protection from dismissal and protection from being penalised in their employment as a result of having made a protected disclosure.

The Garda Síochána have published their Protected Disclosures Policy and all Garda members and civilians have been informed of this policy. In addition the Garda Commissioner has appointed a Protected Disclosures Manager who is supported with a dedicated and properly trained team.

In light of the public interest in An Garda Síochána having robust policies and procedures in place to support and protect whistleblowers and to ensure that their complaints or allegations are fully investigated, my predecessor asked the Policing Authority on 2 June 2016 to examine and report on the policies and procedures in place in An Garda Síochána to deal with whistleblowers/whistleblowing.  She also asked that they make any recommendations that they consider appropriate in order to ensure that the policies and procedures in place are appropriate and can provide assurance that whistleblowers can make complaints or allegations in a safe environment where their complaints or allegations are properly investigated.

The Policing Authority completed its review and reported to my predecessor on 11 November, 2016.  The Report was published on my Department's website and has been laid before both Houses in accordance with the Act. An Garda Síochána have since published a revised policy document as result of the Report.

The Garda Commissioner is committed to providing an environment in which protected disclosures can be made in full knowledge that persons making such disclosures will be supported and protected in the workplace.

The Garda Síochána have been working with Transparency International Ireland and other external providers to create an environment to ensure that whistleblowers are properly protected and supported. An “Integrity at Work” pledge and “Integrity at Work Membership Agreement” was signed by the Garda Commissioner and Transparency International Ireland on 4 October, 2017.

The Deputy will see that there have been very significant changes to the regime for making protected disclosures by members of the Gardaí.  I have indicated, however, that I am considering whether other reforms could be introduced to further strengthen the protections in place.

Garda Strength

Questions (67)

James Browne

Question:

67. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in County Wexford as of 1 November 2017; the number of community gardaí in the division; and the number of Garda Reserve and new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [51671/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.

Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility for the distribution of Gardaí, I have provided for the record a breakdown, in tabular form, of the detailed information requested by the Deputy as of 31 October 2017, the latest date for which information is readily available.

The Garda strength of the Wexford Division on 31 October 2017 was 284 of whom 8 are Community Gardaí. There are also 19 Garda Reserves and 32 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

As the Deputy will be aware this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime.  To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.

I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 50 of whom have been assigned to the Wexford Division.   I look forward to attending the graduation of another 200 trainee Garda on Friday which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - a net increase of 500 since the end of 2016.

I am also pleased that Budget 2018 maintains this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensures that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. This will see Garda numbers reach 14,000 by the end of 2018.

In addition, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána.  We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Wexford Division, in the coming years. 

		STRENGTH OF THE WEXFORD DIVISION 31 OCTOBER 2017
DISTRICT	DISTRICT	DISTRICT
ENNISCORTHY	BLACKWATER	2
	BUNCLODY	7
	CLONROCHE	2
	COURTOWN HARBOUR	4
	ENNISCORTHY	51
	FERNS	2
	GOREY	41
	OULART	2
	OYLEGATE	1
	TOTAL	112
NEW   ROSS	BALLYCULLANE	1
	CAMPILE	1
	CARRICKBYRNE	1
	CARRICK-ON-BANNOW	1
	DUNCANNON	2
	NEW ROSS	50
	TOTAL	56
WEXFORD	CASTLEBRIDGE	2
	KILMORE QUAY	2
	ROSSLARE HARBOUR	7
	ROSSLARE STRAND	1
	TAGHMON	2
	WEXFORD	102
	TOTAL	116
WEXFORD TOTAL		284

Garda Strength

Questions (68)

Brendan Smith

Question:

68. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in counties Cavan and Monaghan as of 1 November 2017; the number of community gardaí in the division; and the number of Garda Reserve and new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [51656/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.

Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility for the distribution of Gardaí, I have provided for the record a breakdown, in tabular form, of the detailed information requested by the Deputy as of 31 October 2017, the latest date for which information is readily available.

The Garda strength of the Cavan/Monaghan Division on 31 October 2017 was 324 of whom 2 are Community Gardaí. There are also 11 Garda Reserves and 37 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

As the Deputy will be aware this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.

I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 33 of whom have been assigned to the Cavan/Monaghan Division. I look forward to attending the graduation of another 200 trainee Garda on Friday which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - a net increase of 500 since the end of 2016.

I am also pleased to say that Budget 2018 maintains this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensures that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. This will see Garda numbers reach the 14,000 mark by the end of 2018.

In addition, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána.  We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Cavan/Monaghan Division, in the coming year.

		STRENGTH OF THE CAVAN/MONAGHAN DIVISION 31 OCTOBER 2017
DISTRICT	DISTRICT	DISTRICT
BAILIEBORO	BAILIEBORO	45
	BALLYJAMESDUFF	4
	COOTEHILL	5
	KINGSCOURT	2
	MULLAGH	1
	SHERCOCK	1
	VIRGINIA	9
	TOTAL	67
CARRICKMACROSS	BALLYBAY	3
	CARRICKMACROSS	42
	CASTLEBLANEY	27
	ROCKCORRY	1
	TOTAL	73
CAVAN	ARVA	3
	BALLINAGH	2
	BALLYCONNELL	17
	BELTURBET	5
	BLACKLION	3
	CAVAN	70
	DOWRA	1
	KILLESHANDRA	1
	KILNALECK	2
	SWANLINBAR	1
	TOTAL	105
MONAGHAN	CLONES	4
	EMYVALE	2
	MONAGHAN	71
	SCOTSTOWN	2
	TOTAL	79
CAVAN / MONAGHAN TOTAL		324

Prisoner Releases

Questions (69)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

69. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the consideration that has been given to the provision a transition centre for exonerated persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51618/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can inform the Deputy that for the purpose of reply, I take it that the question refers to persons who were held on remand within the prison system and but who subsequently released arising from a non-conviction following a Court trial.  This being so, I can inform the Deputy that there is no statutory basis to provide specific services to such persons beyond that which would be provided to other prisoners, whether on remand, on bail, or upon release.

Part 6 of the Prison Rules 2007 provides for the services which the Irish Prison Service must endeavour to provide for prisoners not serving a sentence. These include accommodation, structured activities and healthcare requirements while in custody. There are also separate provisions under the Prison Rules for unconvicted prisoners in relation to telephone calls, letters and visits.

Because of the unpredictable nature of the time in custody it is not possible to provide pre-release programmes or reintegration programmes to remand prisoners who do not receive a conviction. Remand prisoners can be released by the court at any time. They can also receive bail or have the warrant holding them quashed for any number of reasons. In additional, prisoners can be brought to court and have their case deferred to a later date, resulting in the prisoner being remanded again. This process can occur on multiple occasions in relation to the same case.

For these reasons it is impossible to plan when a remand prisoner may be released, accordingly it is not possible to provide a structured release programme to this cohort of prisoners.

My Department has no plans to consider providing a transition centre for remand prisoners once they are released.

Garda Strength

Questions (70)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

70. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in north Cork as of 1 November 2017; the number of community gardaí in the division; and the number of Garda Reserve and new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [51639/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.

Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility for the distribution of Gardaí, I have provided for the record a breakdown, in tabular form, of the detailed information requested by the Deputy as of 31 October 2017, the latest date for which information is readily available.

The Garda strength of the Cork North Division on 31 October 2017 was 317 of whom 7 are Community Gardaí. There are also 14 Garda Reserves and 29 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

As the Deputy will be aware this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime.  To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.

I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 15 of whom have been assigned to the Cork North Division.  I look forward to attending the graduation of another 200 trainee Garda on Friday which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - a net increase of 500 since the end of 2016.

I am also pleased that Budget 2018 maintains this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensures that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. This will see Garda numbers reach the 14,000 mark by the end of 2018.

In addition, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties.  There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána.  We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Cork North Division, in the coming years.

STRENGTH OF THE CORK NORTH DIVISION 31 OCTOBER 2017

DISTRICT	STATION	TOTAL
FERMOY	BALLYNOE	1
	CASTLETOWNROCHE	2
	FERMOY	62
	KILDORRERY	1
	KILWORTH	1
	MITCHELSTOWN	20
	RATHCORMAC	1
	WATERGRASSHILL	2
	TOTAL	90
MALLOW	BUTTEVANT	1
	CHARLEVILLE	20
	DONERAILE	2
	GLANTAINE	1
	KANTURK	22
	LISCARROLL	1
	MALLOW	61
	MILFORD	1
	NEWMARKET	2
	TOTAL	111
MIDLETON	BALLYCOTTON	1
	CARRIGTWOHILL	2
	CLOYNE	1
	COBH	36
	KILLEAGH	1
	MIDLETON	51
	WHITEGATE	1
	YOUGHAL	23
	TOTAL	116
CORK NORTH TOTAL		317

Garda Stations

Questions (71)

Alan Farrell

Question:

71. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when it is expected that agreement will be reached to reopen Rush Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51500/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána, including responsibility for the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.

Indeed, this was the basis on which the Garda District and Station Rationalisation Programme was developed and implemented, resulting in the closure of some 139 Garda stations, including Rush Garda station. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the closures have allowed front line Garda to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion particularly with regard to various targeted police operations.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.

The Garda Commissioner has recently submitted his final report in relation to this matter.  The report contains a recommendation that Rush Garda station be one of the six Garda stations to be included in the pilot, along with stations at Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Bawnboy, Co.Cavan, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow, Donard, Co. Wicklow, and Stepaside, Co. Dublin.

It is my intention to bring the report before Government shortly.

I understand that the Commissioner has written to the Office of Public Works to progress the matter.

It is understood that the timeframe for reopening the stations concerned is dependent on a number of factors, including the brief of requirements from An Garda Síochána, the extent of the required refurbishment, based on current building regulations, the need to comply with fire regulations and to provide disability access.  There are also agreed standards and specifications for Garda cell areas and custody suites which would have to be incorporated into the refurbishment.

Once the specification has been agreed, the works will go to tender and will commence when the procurement process has been finalised.

Policing Authority

Questions (72)

Mick Wallace

Question:

72. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied with the work to date of the Policing Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51745/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

The Policing Authority represents one of the most significant developments in policing since the foundation of the State.  It constitutes a major element of the comprehensive programme of justice reform which is being delivered by the Government, aimed both at ensuring continuing confidence in the work of An Garda Síochána and at supporting the women and men of the service in the work they do on our behalf every day.

The Authority’s role is to oversee the performance of the Garda Síochána in relation to policing services, to promote public awareness of policing matters and to promote and support the continuous improvements in policing in Ireland. Its mission is to drive excellent policing through valued and effective oversight and governance.

I strongly believe that the Authority has made a significant impact since its establishment in January 2016.

In addition to meeting regularly with the Commissioner and his management team to discuss the performance of An Garda Síochána in relation to policing matters and undertaking selection competitions for appointments to senior ranks within An Garda Síochána, the Authority has been focusing on its functions that have statutory deadlines and reform significance. This includes agreeing the Garda Strategy Statement 2016-2018, establishing Policing Priorities and a Policing Plan for 2018, launching the Garda Code of Ethics and reporting on the Garda Síochána Protected Disclosures Policy.

I continue to have complete confidence that the Authority, with its wealth of experience and expertise, will contribute to making An Garda Síochána a modern, efficient and accountable policing service.

Policing Issues

Questions (73)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

73. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which policing methods here are in line with international best practice, with particular reference to the need to ensure adequate rapid deployment when required and the optimum use, location and response to various criminal challenges while at the same time maintaining good relations with the general public; his plans to introduce particular and further initiatives of a helpful nature in the ongoing battle against criminal activity, including further amendments to the bail laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51737/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

An Garda Síochána with the support of this Government continues to tackle criminal activity. Operations such as Thor and Hybrid have had success in tackling burglary and property crime, including rural crime and gangland crime. Concentrated Garda actions against criminal gangs have been illustrated by a number of notable successes this year with a series of very significant drugs seizures valued at over €79.5 million, including the huge haul of illegal cannabis valued at €37.5 million seized at Dublin Port on 20 January 2017 and most recently a significant seizure on the 15 November 2017 of €7 million.

The dedicated Armed Support Unit for the Dublin Metropolitan Region was launched on 14 December 2016, and is now operational on a 24/7 basis.

The Government has introduced new legislation including the Proceeds of Crime Amendment Act 2016 which provided greater powers to CAB in the fight against gangland crime, the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime Bill) 2016 which has been passed by the Oireachtas and I recently introduced the Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Bill 2017. In addition the Criminal Justice Act 2017 (changed from the Bail (Amendment) Bill 2016), which was enacted in June of this year, strengthens the operation of the bail system with the aim of making the law as effective as possible in protecting the public against crimes committed by persons on bail. 

Under the Act, the Court will be required to have regard to persistent serious offending by an applicant for bail and the nature and seriousness of any danger presented by the grant of bail to a person charged with an offence, that carries a penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment or more.  The Court will also have the power, in certain cases, to hear evidence from the victim of an offence before a decision on bail is taken.

Where an accused person is granted bail, the Act will provide for stricter bail terms for repeat serious offenders, including the use of curfews, strengthen Garda powers to deal with breaches of bail, and introduce electronic tagging for those on bail in certain circumstances where requested by Gardaí. 

The Deputy will also be aware that there is currently an extensive programme of reform underway affecting all aspects of the administration and operation of An Garda Síochána. This follows the Government's approval in July 2016 of a Five Year Reform and High Level Workforce Plan for An Garda Síochána which combines the Government’s response to the Garda Inspectorate report 'Changing Policing in Ireland' and the commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government aimed at increasing the visibility, effectiveness and responsiveness of An Garda Síochána.

The key structural change under the Five Year Reform and High-level Workforce Plan is the replacement of the current District model of policing with a Divisional model where responsibilities will be allocated on a functional rather than geographical basis, subject to modifications to ensure the close relationship with communities is maintained in both urban and rural areas.

The Divisional model is being rolled out on a phased basis starting with a pilot programme. The four Divisions of DMR South Central, Cork City, Galway and Mayo have been selected for the pilot in order to provide a mix of urban and rural policing environments. This new model  will support the more flexible and effective deployment of Garda resources.

The Policing Authority is overseeing the implementation of the reform programme and reporting on a quarterly basis. It latest progress report - its third which is available on my Department's website - indicated positive progress has been made in the development and implementation of the Divisional/functional model of policing and it is continuing to monitor progress in relation to the pilots, in particular any learnings which could be applied in advance of the national roll-out. The Authority has also indicated that it would like to see this project progressed more rapidly.

I believe the only way to deliver world class policing in Ireland is to ensure that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs and that those resources operate in an organisation whose culture is open and responsive and where the best management systems and practices are deployed.  I am confident that the reform plan, including the development of a functional model of policing that is being pursued by An Garda Síochána, supported by the Government and overseen by the Policing Authority, has the capacity to achieve this.  It will not be done overnight but as I have made clear, the implementation of the ambitious reform programme, including the implementation of the Divisional model, must continue and, indeed, must move at a greater pace, to ensure the best possible policing services for the people of Ireland.

Community Alert Programme

Questions (74, 101)

Mary Butler

Question:

74. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to support community alert schemes from a financial aspect regarding the costs of the text scheme. [51497/17]

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

101. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to extend to all community groups funding for the text alert and community alert schemes (details supplied) in view of the fact that they provide an invaluable service to the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51683/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 101 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, the Programme for Government underlines the need for close engagement between An Garda Síochána and local communities. This is an essential feature of the strong community policing ethos which has long been central to policing in this jurisdiction.  The Deputy will also be aware that as part of the overall strategy to oppose criminality, the Garda authorities pursue a range of partnerships with community stakeholders; for example, the well established Community Alert Programme and the highly successful Garda Text Alert Scheme to name but a few. 

Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. It provides a means of recognising that every community - both urban and rural - has its own concerns and expectations. In this regard I welcome the strong emphasis placed by An Garda Síochána on the Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021, on further developing and supporting the community policing ethos of the organisation so that Gardaí spend more time in the community, gaining public confidence and trust and providing a greater sense of security. Proposed initiatives include the establishment of local Community Policing Teams (CPTs) headed by an Inspector and made up of Gardaí from across a range of areas to work proactively with the community to prevent and detect crime; and the establishment of Community Safety Fora in every District comprising local Gardaí, local communities and key stakeholders.

Since the Community Text Alert scheme was launched in September 2013, it has developed as an important crime prevention mechanism with over 700 local groups involving in excess of 130,000 subscribers and with an estimated 200,000 text messages sent each month under the scheme. Every Garda Division, rural and urban, now offers the text alert service and An Garda Síochána has published guidelines to assist in the establishment and operation of local groups.

The Deputies might wish to note that funding from my Department is not used to provide direct assistance to local Community Alert (or Text Alert) Groups.

Community Alert funding is allocated by my Department for the employment and associated costs of the national Community Alert programme, including the employment of regional Development Officers. These Development Officers, operating in Muintir Na Tíre, provide support to Community and Text Alert schemes and offer advice on how to establish new schemes. The long-standing view has been that this is the best use of the resources available to the Department to support effective community crime prevention actions. 

At the National Ploughing Championships this year, I was pleased to announce that an additional €100,000 was being made available to Text Alert Groups, registered with An Garda Síochána, to provide modest financial assistance with the running costs they incur each year.  This Text Alert Rebate Scheme will be administered by Muintir na Tíre and Groups wishing to participate at the Scheme can find more details at www.muintir.ie.

Garda Investigations

Questions (75)

Paul Murphy

Question:

75. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the internal Garda review into the Jobstown protest investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51743/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that, following the completion of criminal proceedings flowing from the incident referred to, and public commentary in relation to members of An Garda Síochána who were involved in the policing of same, an Assistant Commissioner was tasked with conducting a review of the policing of the event. The final report from the Assistant Commissioner has now been finalised and is currently being considered by the Commissioner.

Garda Strength

Questions (76)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

76. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in County Mayo as of 1 November 2017; the number of community gardaí in the division; and the number of Garda Reserve and new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [51649/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.

Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility for the distribution of Gardaí, I have provided for the record a breakdown, in tabular form, of the detailed information requested by the Deputy as of 31 October 2017, the latest date for which information is readily available.

The Garda strength of the Mayo Division on 31 October 2017 was 318 of whom 3 are Community Gardaí. There are also 20 Garda Reserves and 31 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

As the Deputy will be aware this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime.  To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.

I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 15 of whom have been assigned to the Mayo Division. I look forward to attending the graduation of another 200 trainee Garda on Friday which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - a net increase of 500 since the end of 2016.

I am also pleased to say that Budget 2018 maintains this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensures that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. This will see Garda numbers reach the 14,000 mark by the end of 2018.

In addition, a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána.  We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Mayo Division, in the coming years.

STRENGTH OF THE MAYO DIVISION 31 OCTOBER 2017

DISTRICT	DISTRICT	DISTRICT
BALLINA	BALLINA	48
	BONNICONLON	1
	CROSSMOLINA	4
	FOXFORD	2
	KILLALA	2
	TOTAL	57
BELMULLET	BANGOR ERRIS	2
	BÉAL AN MHUIRTHEAD	29
	GLEANN NA MUAIDHE	1
	TOTAL	32
CASTLEBAR	BALLA	2
	CASTLEBAR	89
	PARTRY	2
	TOTAL	93
CLAREMORRIS	BALLINDINE	1
	BALLINROBE	8
	BALLYHAUNIS	11
	CHARLESTOWN	3
	CLAREMORRIS	36
	CONG	1
	KILKELLY	5
	KILMAINE	2
	KILTIMAGH	1
	KNOCK	1
	SHRULE	1
	SWINFORD	22
	TOTAL	92
WESTPORT	ACHILL SOUND	5
	KEEL	1
	LOUISBURGH	2
	NEWPORT	3
	WESTPORT	33
	TOTAL	44
MAYO TOTAL		318

Garda Operations

Questions (77)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

77. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if disciplinary action will be taken against the 14 chief superintendents who did not respond to the then assistant commissioner's request to examine the mandatory alcohol testing, MAT, discrepancies in their own area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51694/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy will be aware, I have previously put on record my deep concern at the serious failures of the Garda organisation in relation to mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints and fixed charge notices.

In relation to the particular issue of whether disciplinary action should be taken against individual members of An Garda Síochána arising from the mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints issues, this is solely a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide under the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007.

During his public meeting with the Policing Authority on 23 November last, the Commissioner apologised for the significant organisational failure and acknowledged the resulting public disquiet.

He stated that, taking into consideration that the Policing Authority examination found that the discrepancy between the PULSE figures and the devices was likely to be significantly greater than the 1.458 million figure already identified by the Garda authorities, the scale of such an investigation, its associated costs and resourcing requirement were significant factors in deciding not to undertake individual disciplinary actions. Further consideration was also given to the inevitability of legal challenges to such action, the passage of time, and associated retirements, and poor data quality, which would all have additional delay, cost or other implications.

The Commissioner also informed the Authority that the decision to take a future-focused, restorative approach allowed An Garda Síochána to focus on strategic reforms, changes to culture and embedding the Code of Ethics and performance management system, along with improving data quality.

He confirmed that he will be issuing a personal directive to all members stating that distortion of data quality and data breaches will amount to a serious disciplinary matter and could, at the most serious level, result in dismissal. The Commissioner also indicated that he would be specifically and individually writing to each Divisional manager to highlight their responsibilities in relation to supervision and accountability.

The Government established the Policing Authority to ensure oversight of policing practices, shed light on problems and identify solutions through its structured engagement with An Garda Síochána. I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Policing Authority's commentary on the Crowe Horwath report, where the Authority, in relation to this point, stated that "poor performance on a pervasive scale can seldom be appropriately addressed by disciplinary processes". The Authority further commented that the focus should be on implementing a meaningful performance management system for both Garda members and civilians in 2018, so that there is a framework for the delivery of policing plans and ensuring accountability.

The Authority went on to indicate that, unless there is prima facie evidence of either a criminal offence or a disciplinary breach having been committed, the core focus for An Garda Síochána should now be on rectifying the issues identified permanently across all dimensions, including procedures, technology, training, supervision and accountability. I fully expect the Commissioner to urgently address the issues highlighted by myself, by Crowe Horwath and by the Policing Authority and I welcome the continuing oversight of the Policing Authority in this respect. This Government has put in place significant Garda resources, both human and financial, but, as the Policing Authority has emphasised, cultural change within An Garda Síochána is of critical importance. This is why one of the Policing Authority’s first acts was to introduce Code of Ethics. Adherence to that Code must become a fundamental part of our policing. I previously made clear to the Commissioner that Garda management must ensure that all members are committed to the values the Code sets out. I am confident that he and his colleagues understand the importance of ensuring that cultural change goes hand in hand with systemic improvements. The Policing Authority has a critical role to play in supporting and overseeing this process. Moreover, it is important to remember that the expert Commission on the Future of Policing is undertaking a comprehensive review of policing in Ireland. I have no doubt that this report will inform the Commission's work to bring about the transformation of policing in this country. However, I fully acknowledge the vital work undertaken everyday by the women and men of An Garda Síochána to ensure the safety and security of the people of Ireland. I remain dedicated to doing everything in my power as Minister, in conjunction with the Policing Authority, to ensure ethical and excellent policing, robust oversight and the modernisation of An Garda Síochána to ensure it can operate effectively and professionally in the public interest.

Magdalen Laundries

Questions (78)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

78. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department received a list of 107 women in the Galway Magdalen laundry in 1952 from the diocese of Galway in 2014 after being informed of its existence by a person (details supplied); the way in which he will ensure access to material for victims and their representatives as per the recommendation of United Nations Convention Against Torture, UNCAT, issued 11 August 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51731/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can confirm that my Department received the document referred to in this Parliamentary Question. This was provided to the Department on the basis that the information would be held in the strictest confidence and referred to only as a possible means of verification if an applicant to the ex-gratia scheme was resident in the Magdalen Institution in Galway.  There were only limited records surviving for this Magdalen Institution so the information was invaluable in processing the applications from the women for their ex gratia payments and other benefits. 

In relation to access to material in general, the Deputy will be aware that the McAleese report specifically states that it was agreed that the most appropriate course of action would be that the archive of the Committee’s work would be deposited with An Taoiseach and that is where the archive is held. The records provided by the religious congregations concerned were returned to them and are not part of the State archive. 

The Deputy will I am sure appreciate that the records held in the State archive and by the religious congregations contain very sensitive personal data.

With regard to the private religious archives, I am advised that the congregations have stated that any woman who has been in their care, will be given access to their own records.  As regards general access, that is a matter for the congregations themselves subject to the Data Protection Acts.

In relation to the State archive there are no plans to make it available publicly at this time and, at all events, the records are subject to the Data Protection Acts.

Garda Strength

Questions (79)

Mary Butler

Question:

79. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in County Waterford as of 1 November 2017; the number of community gardaí in the division; and the number of Garda Reserve and new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [51636/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I should say at the outset that the distribution of Garda personnel is exclusively the statutory responsibility of the Garda Commissioner.

Notwithstanding the Commissioner's responsibility for the distribution of Gardaí, I have provided for the record a breakdown, in tabular form, of the detailed information requested by the Deputy as of 31 October 2017, the latest date for which information is readily available.

The Garda strength of the Waterford Division on 31 October 2017 was 292 of whom 35 are Community Gardaí. There are also 19 Garda Reserves and 30 Garda civilian staff attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Armed Support Units, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.

As the Deputy will be aware, this Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To achieve this the Government has put in place a plan for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. We are making real, tangible progress on achieving this goal.

I am informed by the Commissioner that since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, close to 1,400 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 49 of whom have been assigned to the Waterford Division. I look forward to attending the graduation of another 200 trainee Garda on Friday which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - a net increase of 500 since the end of 2016.

I am also pleased that Budget 2018 maintains this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track. A further 800 new Garda Recruits will enter the Garda College. This will see Garda numbers reach the 14,000 mark by the end of 2018.

In addition a further 500 civilians will also be recruited to fill critical skills gaps across the organisation and to facilitate the redeployment of Gardaí from administrative and technical duties to front-line operational duties. There are plans to strengthen the Garda Reserve with new Reserves expected to commence training early in 2018.

This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Waterford Division, in the coming years.

STRENGTH OF THE WATERFORD DIVISION 31 OCTOBER 2017

DISTRICT	DISTRICT	DISTRICT
DUNGARVAN	AGLISH	1
	ARDMORE	1
	BALLYDUFF	1
	BALLYMACARBERRY	1
	CAPPOQUIN	2
	DUNGARVAN	45
	LISMORE	3
	TALLOW	2
	TOTAL	56
TRAMORE	KILMACTHOMAS	11
	TRAMORE	38
	TOTAL	49
WATERFORD	DUNMORE EAST	2
	FERRYBANK	4
	PASSAGE EAST	1
	WATERFORD	180
	TOTAL	187
WATERFORD TOTAL		292

Immigrant Investor Programme Data

Questions (80)

Jack Chambers

Question:

80. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason his Department has not published the review of the immigrant investor programme; if he will publish the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51494/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that a limited internal review of the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) was concluded in Q3 2017. The review only examined the period to December 2016. As the IIP Programme had only gained momentum in the second half of 2016, to evaluate its effectiveness as of December 2016 might not provide for any meaningful and measurable outcomes. Consequently it was decided not to publish the review as the outcomes may be of little value.

It is proposed to commence a more comprehensive review of the Programme and I can assure the Deputy that a report of that review will be published subject to any appropriate redaction of any personal and commercially sensitive information.